Grommet assembly having electrical power receptacle

ABSTRACT

A grommet assembly includes, in one embodiment, a single-piece housing having an open top end, an open bottom end, an interior region, an interior wall surrounding the interior region and a housing outer surface. A receptacle support structure is located within the interior region and attached to the interior wall for supporting an electrical power receptacle. A bottom cover is attached to the housing at the open bottom end. The bottom cover includes sidewalls, an interior side facing the interior region of the housing and an opposite exterior side. The bottom cover is configured so that the sidewalls are located within the interior region of the housing when the bottom cover is completely attached to the housing. The grommet assembly further including a fastener operable to secure the housing at an opening formed in a work surface. The fastener includes an upper surface that is configured to engage a lower surface of the work surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER PATENT APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No.15/833,029, filed Dec. 6, 2017. The entire disclosure of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/833,029 is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a grommet assembly for use with worksurfaces such as conference tables, desks, workstations and workbenches.

BACKGROUND

Grommet assemblies are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,024,599, 6,923,684,7,053,296, 7,806,723, 7,989,738, 8,475,186, 8,987,642, 9,024,211,9,312,653, 9,748,709, D714726, D741266, and D762176.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention sets forth a unique and novel grommet assembly. Insome embodiments, the grommet assembly comprises a single-piece housingthat includes an open top end, an open bottom end, an interior region,an interior wall surrounding the interior region and a housing outersurface. The housing is configured to support an electrical powerreceptacle within the interior region. The grommet assembly furtherincludes a bottom cover removably attached to the housing at the openbottom end of the housing. The bottom cover includes sidewalls, aninterior side facing the interior region of the housing and an oppositeexterior side. The bottom cover is configured so that the sidewalls aretotally positioned within the interior region of the housing and hiddenfrom view when the bottom cover is completely attached to the housing.The grommet assembly further includes a fastener operable to secure thehousing at an opening formed in a work surface. The fastener has anupper surface configured to engage a lower surface of the work surface.

Certain features and advantages of the present invention have beengenerally described in this summary section. However, additionalfeatures, advantages and embodiments are presented herein or will beapparent to one of ordinary skill of the art in view of the drawings,specification and claims hereof. Accordingly, it should be understoodthat the scope of the invention shall not be limited by the particularembodiments disclosed in this summary section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

References will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples ofwhich may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures areintended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention isgenerally described in the context of these embodiments, it should beunderstood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the inventionto these particular embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grommet assembly in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the grommet assembly;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the grommet assembly;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the grommet assembly;

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the grommet assembly;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a fastener shown in FIG. 5A, the viewshowing a top portion of the fastener;

FIG. 5C is another perspective view of the fastener, the view showing abottom portion of the fastener;

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a grommet assembly in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5E is a top plan view of the grommet assembly of FIG. 5D;

FIG. 5F is an exploded view of the grommet assembly of FIG. 5D;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a grommet assembly in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the grommet assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view of the bottom of the grommet assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the grommet assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is another side view of the grommet assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a single-piece housing of the grommetassembly of FIG. 6, as seen from the top of the single-piece housing;

FIG. 11B is another perspective view of the single-piece housing, asseen from the bottom of the single-piece housing;

FIG. 11C is an elevational view of the single-piece housing havingelectrical power receptacles therein;

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the single-piece housing shown in FIG.11C;

FIG. 11E is a top view plan view of the single-piece housing shown inFIG. 11C;

FIG. 11F is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11F-11F in FIG. 11E;

FIG. 11G is a bottom view of the single-piece housing as shown in FIG.11C

FIG. 11H is an exploded view of the grommet assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fastener shown in FIG. 11H, the viewshowing a top portion of the fastener;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the fastener shown in FIG. 11H,the view showing a bottom portion of the fastener;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the grommet assembly of FIG. 6, theview showing the fastener of FIG. 12 threadedly engaged to the outersurface of the housing;

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the grommet assembly as shown in FIG. 14mounted to a work surface;

FIG. 16 is a side view showing the grommet assembly as shown in FIG. 14mounted to the work surface; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the grommet assembly as shown in FIG.14 mounted to the work surface, the view showing the fastener of FIG. 12threadedly engaged to the housing outer surface to the fullest extentsuch that fastener abuts the bottom side of the work surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “electric power receptacle” shall include any receptaclethat provides an AC or DC voltage and current, including (i) AC electricpower receptacles that provide 110-120 VAC, (ii) DC voltage receptaclesor ports, and (iii) USB female sockets configured to charge USB-typecommunication devices such as smart phones, tablets, PDAs, etc. The USBfemale sockets include dual or twin USB Type-A Female Sockets.

As used herein, “electrical device”, shall include (i) electrical cablesand wires, (ii) USB male plugs that are either attached to a USB cableor part of a USB electronic device, and (iii) electrical male plugdevices having a plurality of electrically conductive blades or prongsthat are configured to be inserted into AC power receptacles.

As used herein, “work surface” shall include the top surface of anarticle of furniture such as a desktop, tabletop, work bench, workstation or conference table.

It is to be understood that throughout this description, terms such as“vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “middle”,“above”, “below”, and the like are used for convenience in identifyingrelative locations of various components and surfaces relative to oneanother in reference to the drawings and that the grommet assembly maybe installed and used in substantially any orientation so that theseterms are not intended to be limiting in any way.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andclaims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation thatcould permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basicfunction to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a termor terms, such as “about”, are not limited to the precise valuespecified.

As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”,“including”, “has”, “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements, but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article or apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5C, there is shown grommet assembly 20 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Grommet assembly 20 includes single-piece housing 22. Housing 22includes open top end 24, open bottom end 26, interior region 28,interior wall 30 surrounding interior region 28 and housing outersurface 32. As will be described in the ensuing description, housing 22is configured to support electrical power receptacle 34 within interiorregion 28. Bottom cover 36 is attached to housing 22 and is positionedover open bottom end 26. Bottom cover 36 includes a plurality of spacedapart sidewalls 38A, 38B and 38C. Bottom cover 36 includes a forthsidewall (not shown) that is located opposite sidewall 38B. Bottom cover36 includes interior side 40 which faces interior region 28 of housing22 and opposite exterior side 42. Bottom cover 36 is configured so thatall sidewalls of bottom cover 36 are completely and totally positionedwithin interior region 28 and hidden from view when bottom cover 36 iscompletely attached to housing 22. In one embodiment, bottom cover 36 isconfigured so that its sidewalls contact interior wall 30.

In an exemplary embodiment, bottom cover 36 is removably attached tohousing 22. Bottom cover 36 includes openings 43 to receivecorresponding screws 44. In an exemplary embodiment, housing 22 includesthreaded inlets (not shown) that are attached to interior wall 30 ofhousing 22 and configured for threaded engagement with screws 44. Insuch an embodiment, bottom cover 36 is screwed in place via screw 44. Inone embodiment, the threaded inlets (not shown) that receive screws 44are integral with interior wall 30. In another embodiment, thesethreaded inlets are attached to interior wall 30.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5A, 5B and 5C, grommet assembly 20 furthercomprises fastener 50 that is operable to secure housing 22 at anopening formed in a work surface. Fastener 50 includes upper portion 52that has surface 54. Surface 54 is shaped and configured to engage abottom or lower side of the work surface. Fastener 50 is furtherdescribed in detail in the ensuing description.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5A, housing 22 includes sleeve structure 60within interior region 28 and attached to interior wall 30. Sleevestructure 60 is sized and configured to support electrical powerreceptacle 34. In one embodiment, sleeve structure 60 is integral withinterior wall 30. In another embodiment, sleeve structure 60 is attachedto interior wall 30. Sleeve structure 60 includes opened top end 62.Electrical power receptacle 34 includes lower portion 70 that isdisposed within sleeve structure 60 and upper portion 72. Upper portion72 has overhanging portion 74 that is supported by top end 62. Sleevestructure 60 is configured and position so that upper portion 72 ofelectrical power receptacle 34 is located at top end 24 of housing 22.Electrical power receptacle 34 includes at least one input for receivingan electrical device. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3and 5A, electrical power receptacle 34 comprises an AC power receptaclethat has inputs for receiving the electrically conductive prongs orblades of a male electrical plug.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 5A, grommet assembly 20 further includes faceplate 80. Face plate 80 is attached to housing 22 so as to cover upperportion 72 of electrical power receptacle 34. Face plate 80 includes topside 82 and bottom side 84. Face plate 80 includes openings 86 that arealigned with the electrically conductive inputs of electrical powerreceptacle 34. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5A, housing 22 includeschannels 90 and 92 in housing outer surface 32. Each channel 90 and 92extends along an axis that is parallel to the longitudinally extendingaxis of housing 22. Each channel 90 and 92 extends to bottom end 26 ofhousing 22. The shape of each channel 90 and 92 forms part of theperimeter of bottom end 26. Accordingly, bottom cover 36 has a shapethat conforms to the perimetrical shape of bottom end 26. In anexemplary embodiment, channels 90 and 92 are diametrically positioned.Housing 22 further includes transverse portion 94 that extends acrosschannel 90 and is in proximity to face plate 80. Transverse portion 94includes through-hole 96 for receiving a fastener or screw 98.Similarly, housing 22 further includes a transverse portion (not shown)that extends across channel 92 and is in proximity to face plate 80. Thetransverse portion across channel 92 includes a through-hole, not shownbut similar to through-hole 96, for receiving a fastener or screw which,as will be apparent from the ensuing description, perform the samefunction as through-hole 96 and fastener 98, respectively. Faceplate 80includes a pair of post members that extend from bottom side 84. One ofthese post members is post member 88 shown in FIG. 2. In an exemplaryembodiment, the post members extending from bottom side 84 arediametrically positioned. In an exemplary embodiment, each post memberextending from bottom side 84 has the same structure and function aspost member 370 shown in FIG. 11H which is discussed in the ensuingdescription. Each post member that extends from bottom side 84 has anend that is configured to have a threaded inlet. In order to attach faceplate 80 to housing 22, faceplate 80 is positioned so that the end ofeach post member is adjacent the through-hole of a correspondingtransverse portion. A screw is then inserted through the through-hole ofthe transverse portion and threadedly engaged with the threaded inlet ofthe post member. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the end of post member88 is adjacent to transverse portion 94. Screw 98 is inserted throughthe through-hole 96 of transverse portion 94 and threadedly engaged withthe threaded inlet in the end of post member 88. In one embodiment, thepost members extending from bottom side 84 are integral with face plate80. In another embodiment, the post members extending from bottom side84 are attached to bottom side 84. Each channel 90 and 92 is sized toallow placement therein of the shaft of tool (e.g. screwdriver) for thepurpose of tightening or loosening the screws (e.g. screw 98) that arethreadedly engaged with the threaded inlets of the post members.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5A, housing outer surface 32 of housing 22has a first curved section 110 and a second curved section 112. Firstcurved section 110 and second curved section 112 are separated bychannels 90 and 92. In one embodiment, channels 90 and 92 arediametrically positioned and the surface areas of first curved section110 and second section 112 are equal. First curved section 110 andsecond curved section 112 are both threaded. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5Band 5C, in exemplary embodiment, fastener 50 comprises a collar that isconfigured to be threadedly engaged with the threaded first curvedsection 110 and threaded second curved section 112. Collar 50 furtherincludes interior wall 120, exterior wall 122 and ribs 124 that areintegral with exterior wall 122. Ribs 124 provide structural support forcollar 50. Interior wall 120 includes at least one protrusion 130 forengaging threaded first curved section 110 and threaded second curvedsection 112. In exemplary embodiment, there is a plurality ofprotrusions 130 that are arranged vertically and in juxtaposition. Inone embodiment, there are several groups of protrusions 130 on interiorwall 120. In an alternate embodiment, collar 50 includes through-hole 56that is sized to receive a fastener device (e.g. screw) for fastening orattaching collar 50 to the underside of the work surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5A, bottom cover 36 includes opening 140 forthe passage there-through of electrical cable 142. Electrical cable 142includes electrical wires that are electrically connected to electricalpower receptacle 34 or electrical circuitry, as will be explained in theensuing description. In one embodiment, electrical cable 142 includesmale electrical plug 143 that is configured to be plugged into astandard AC voltage receptacle that provides 110-120 VAC. In anexemplary embodiment, strain relief member 144 is lodged or positionedin opening 140 and electrical cable 142 extends through the strainrelief member 144.

Referring to FIGS. 5D, 5E and 5F, there is shown grommet assembly 200 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Grommetassembly 200 includes an electrical power receptacle 202 that comprisestwin USB Type-A Female Sockets. Grommet assembly 200 includessingle-piece housing 204 that has the same exterior surfaceconfiguration as housing 22. Housing 204 includes interior region 205,first curved surface 206 and second curved surface 208 that areseparated by channels 210 and 212. Housing 204 further includes interiorwall 213. Housing 204 includes transverse portion 214 within channel 210and another transverse portion (not shown) in channel 212. Channels 210and 212 have the same shape, size and configuration as channels 90 and92, respectively, described in the foregoing description. Channels 210and 212 provide the same function as channels 90 and 92, respectively.The transverse portions in channels 210 and 212 have the same structureand function as the transverse portion 94 in channel 90 and transverseportion 100 in channel 92.

Referring to FIGS. 5D, 5E and 5F, housing 204 includes open top end 220and open bottom end 224. Grommet assembly 200 further includes bottomcover 230 that has the same structure and configuration as bottom cover36 described in the foregoing description. Bottom cover 230 includescentral opening 232 and through-holes 234 for receiving screws 236.Housing 204 includes threaded inlets (not shown) located within interiorregion 205 and attached to interior wall 213. In order to attach bottomcover 230 to housing 204, screws 236 are inserted into through-holes 234and threadedly engaged with the threaded inlets (not shown) that arewithin interior region 205.

Referring to FIGS. 5C, 5D and 5E, fastener or collar 240 has the samestructure and purpose as fastener or collar 50 described in theforegoing description. Collar 240 is threadedly engaged to first curvedsurface 206 and second curved surface 208. Electrical cable 242 has thesame configuration and purpose as electrical cable 142 described in theforegoing description. In one embodiment, electrical cable 242 includesmale electrical plug 243 that is configured to be plugged into astandard 110-120 VAC receptacle.

Grommet assembly 200 further includes face plate 244. Face plate 244includes top side 246, a bottom side (not shown) and at least one postmember (not shown) that extends from the bottom side of face plate 244.Each post member (not shown) that extends from the bottom side of faceplate 244 has the same structure and function as post member 88described in the foregoing description and shown in FIG. 2. Each postmember (not shown) that extends from the bottom side of face plate 244has a threaded inlet that is configured to engage a corresponding screw252 which is inserted through opening 215 in transverse portion 214 andthe opening (not shown) in the transverse portion (not shown) in channel212. Thus, face plate 244 is attached to housing 204 in the same manneras face plate 80 is attached to housing 22.

Referring to FIGS. 5D, 5E and 5F, face plate 244 includes opening orthrough-hole 260 that is aligned with the USB female sockets of the twinUSB Type-A Female Socket device 202. Twin USB Type-A Female Socketdevice 202 is mounted to circuit board 262. Electrical components 264are also mounted to circuit board 262 and convert 110-120 VAC to a DCvoltage and current that is suitable for charging USB-type devices, suchas smart phones, iPads, tablets, etc. This DC voltage and current areavailable at the USB female sockets of device 202. Circuit board 262 isdisposed within interior region 205 of housing 204. Housing 204 includesan internal structure (not shown) within interior region 205 thatsupports circuit board 262. In exemplary embodiment, the internalstructure within interior region 205 contains slots into which portionsof circuit board 262 slide. However, it is to be understood that othersuitable internal structures may be used in interior region 205 tosupport or secure circuit board 262. Electrical cable 242 extendsthrough a strain relief (not shown) lodged within central opening 232 inbottom cover 230 and is electrically connected to electrical components264.

Referring to FIGS. 6-10 and 11A-D there is shown grommet assembly 300 inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Grommet assembly 300 includes single-piece housing 302. Housing 302 issubstantially cylindrical in shape and has longitudinally extending axis303 (see FIG. 11H), interior region 304 and interior wall 305surrounding interior region 304. Housing 302 includes opened top end306, opened bottom end 308 and housing outer surface 310. Housing outersurface 310 includes threaded portions 312 and non-threaded portions314. Each non-threaded portion 314 has a strip-like shape and extends toopen bottom end 308 along an axis that is parallel to longitudinallyextending axis 303. In an exemplary embodiment, non-threaded portions314 of housing outer surface 310 are equidistantly spaced. In anexemplary embodiment, there are three non-threaded portions 314 that arecenter-lined spaced apart by 120°. In one embodiment, each non-threadedportion 314 has a smooth surface.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 12-14, grommet assembly 300 further includesfastener 320 for engaging threaded portions 312 of housing outer surface310. Fastener or collar 320 is configured to be threadedly engaged tothreaded portions 312 of housing outer surface 310. In an exemplaryembodiment, collar 320 includes upper portion 321, inner collar wall 322and exterior wall 323. Inner collar wall 322 has at least one protrusion324 for engaging threaded portions 312 of housing outer surface 310.Non-threaded portions 314 allow collar 320 to be maneuvered alonghousing outer surface 310 without protrusions 324 becoming threadedlyengaged with threaded portions 312. Exterior wall 323 includes ribs 325that provide structural integrity to collar 320 and also provide gripsfor a user to grasp when rotating collar 320 on housing 302. In order tomount collar 320 on housing outer surface 310, the user orients collar320 so that protrusions 324 are aligned with non-threaded portions 314.The user then slides or moves collar 320 over housing outer surface 310so that protrusions 324 travel along non-threaded portion 314 untilcollar 320 is at a desired position on housing outer surface 310. Oncecollar 320 is at the desired position, the user can use his or her handto rotate collar 320 so that protrusions 324 become threadedly engagedwith threaded portions 312. The user continues to rotate collar 320until upper surface 330 of upper portion 321 abuts bottom side 404 ofwork surface 402 (see FIG. 16). Upper portion 321 of collar 320 includesextending portion 334 which has through-hole 336. Through-hole 336 issized for receiving a screw or similar fastening device for fastening orattaching collar 320 to bottom side 404 of work surface 402 when collar320 is rotated to the maximum extent.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in an exemplary embodiment, the at leastone protrusion 324 comprises a plurality of groups 332 of protrusions324. The groups 332 of protrusions 324 are spaced apart by apredetermined distance so that each group 332 of protrusions 324 isaligned with a corresponding one of non-threaded portions 314. Theprotrusions 324 in each group 332 are arranged vertically and injuxtaposition.

Referring to FIGS. 6-10 and 15-17, housing 302 includes face plate 350.In an exemplary embodiment, face plate 350 is removably attached tohousing 302. Face plate 350 has peripheral portion 352 that extendsbeyond the diameter of housing 302. Face plate 350 includes top side354, bottom side 356, through-holes 358 and through-holes 360.Through-holes 358 are aligned with the openings in AC electricalreceptacles 500 and 501 that are positioned within interior region 304of housing 302 (see FIG. 11D). Opening 360 is aligned with dual USBfemale socket device 502 that is positioned within interior region 304of housing 302 (see FIG. 11D). Dual USB female socket device 502includes USB sockets 503 and 504 which are accessible through opening360 in face plate 350. As shown in FIG. 11H, face plate 350 includespost members 370 that extend from bottom side 356 and are configured tohave threaded inlets configured for threaded engagement with screws 700(see FIG. 11H) as will be discussed in the ensuing description.

In an alternate embodiment, face plate 350 is rigidly attached tohousing 302. In a further embodiment, face plate 350 is integral withhousing 302.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, in order to mount grommet assembly 300 toworkstation 400, an opening or hole is formed in work surface 402. Thediameter of the opening in workstation 402 is slightly larger than thediameter of housing 302 but less than the diameter of face plate 350.The housing 302 is then inserted through the opening in work surface402. Since the diameter of face plate 350 is larger than the diameter ofthe opening in work surface 402, bottom side 356 of face plate 350contacts and rests upon work surface 402. The user then positions collar320 on housing 302 so that protrusions 324 are aligned with non-threadedportions 314 and then slides collar 320 upon housing outer surface 310until it is positioned at a desired position. The use then rotatescollar 320 such that protrusions 324 engage threaded portions 312 ofhousing outer surface 310. The user continues to rotate collar 320 untilupper surface 330 of collar 320 physically contacts bottom side 404 ofwork surface 402.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, there is shown housing 302. Housing 302includes internal receptacle support structure 510 which is locatedwithin interior region 304 and attached to interior wall 305. Internalstructure 510 includes wall section 512 and divider section 514.Internal structure 510 further includes extending portions that haveopenings 515, 516 and 518. Each opening 515, 516 and 518 is located sothat it will be aligned with a corresponding one of post members 370 offace plate 350. In order to attach face plate 350 to housing 302, eachscrew 700 (see FIG. 11H) is inserted into a corresponding one ofopenings 515, 516 and 518 and then threadedly engaged with a threadedinlet of a corresponding post member 370. The extending portion ofinternal structure 510 which has opening 515 is joined or attached tointerior wall 305 of housing 302. Wall section 512 further includesnotches 520 and 522. Each notch 520 and 522 is sized to receive a tab ona corresponding AC power receptacle. Such a tab is indicated byreference number 524 (see FIG. 1H) and is part of AC power receptacle500. AC power receptacle 501 also has a tab (not shown) that performsthe same function as tab 524. Divider section 514 has a serpentine shapeand includes portion 514A and portion 514B. The purpose of portions 514Aand 514B is discussed in the ensuing description.

Housing 302 further includes support members 530 and 532 that areattached to or integral with interior wall 305. Support member 530includes sections 533 and 534 which are angulated with respect to eachother. In an exemplary embodiment, sections 533 and 534 form a rightangle. Similarly, support member 532 includes section 535 and section536 which are angulated with respect to each other. In an exemplaryembodiment, sections 535 and 536 form a right angle. Each AC receptacle500 and 501 includes an upper peripheral portion that has an overhangingportion. For example, as shown in FIG. 11D, the upper peripheral portionof AC receptacle 500 includes overhanging portion 540. Overhangingportion 540 of AC receptacle 500 rests or sits upon support member 530and portion 514A of divider section 514, and tab 524 is lodged orpositioned within notch 520. Similarly, the overhanging portion 542 ofthe upper peripheral portion of AC receptacle 501 (see FIG. 11D) restsor sits upon support member 532 and portion 514B of divider section 514,and the tab (not shown) of AC receptacle 501 is lodged or positionedwithin notch 522 of wall section 512.

Referring to FIGS. 11B, 11E, 11F and 11G, grommet assembly 300 furtherincludes electrical circuit board 600. Dual USB female socket device 502is attached to circuit board 600. Electrical circuit board 600 hasmounted thereto electrical components 602 and 604, and additionalelectronic components that are not shown, that convert 110-120 VAC to aDC voltage and current suitable for charging USB-type electronicdevices, e.g. smart phones, tablets, PDAs, etc. Wall 512 of internalstructure 510 includes retainer members 650 and 652 (see FIG. 11B) thatprotrude from wall 512. Each retainer member 650 and 652 defines a slotsized for receiving a portion of circuit board 600. Specifically,retainer member 650 defines slot 660 and retainer member 652 definesslot 662. Referring to FIG. 11F, portion 670 of electrical circuit board600 is lodged within slot 662 of retainer member 652.

Referring to FIGS. 11F and 11H, in order to attach face plate 350 tohousing 302, screws 700 are inserted through openings 515, 516 and 518and threadedly engaged with the threaded inlets of post members 370 thatextend from bottom side 356. Grommet assembly 300 further includesbottom cover 750 which is removably attached to housing 302. Bottomcover 750 includes exterior side 752 and sidewall 754. Bottom cover 750further includes openings or through-holes 756 that are sized to receivescrews 758. Referring to FIGS. 11E, 11G and 11H, housing 302 includestabs that extend from interior wall 305 and which define threadedopenings 760. In order to removably attach bottom cover 750 to housing302, bottom cover 750 is positioned such that openings 756 are alignedwith threaded openings 760. Screws 758 are then inserted into openings756 and threadedly engaged with threaded openings 760. When bottom cover750 is completely attached to housing 302, sidewall 754 is completelywithin interior region 304 and hidden from view. In an exemplaryembodiment, bottom cover 750 is configured so that sidewall 754 contactsinterior wall 305 when bottom cover 750 is completely attached tohousing 302. Bottom cover 750 has an additional opening 780 that issized to receive strain relief member 782. Electrical cable 784 extendsthrough strain relief member 782. Opening 780 is sized so that strainrelief member 782, with electrical cable 784 extending therethrough, istightly lodged within opening 780. Electrical cable 784 includes maleplug 786 which is configured to be plugged into a standard 110-120 VACreceptacle. Electrical cable 784 includes electric wires (not shown)that are electrically connected to the electrical circuitry onelectrical circuit board 600 and the electrical contacts (not shown) ofAC receptacles 500 and 501. The exposed ends (not shown) of theelectrical wires (not shown) that are electrically connected to theelectrical contacts of the AC receptacles 500 and 501 are covered withprotective, electrically non-conductive jackets 800 (see FIG. 11F). Inan exemplary embodiment, each jacket 800 is made from neoprene orpolychloroprene rubber.

Any one of a variety of suitable materials may be used to fabricategrommet assemblies 20, 200 and 300, e.g. plastic, resin, rubber, PVC,metal, composite materials, etc.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications so as tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionand various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A grommet assembly for providing at least oneelectrical power receptacle to a work surface, comprising: asubstantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing having a longitudinalaxis and comprising an open top end, an open bottom end, an interiorregion, an interior wall surrounding the interior region and a housingouter surface, the substantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housingfurther including a structure within the interior region and attached tothe interior wall and configured to support an electrical powerreceptacle, the structure including at least one portion that defines athrough-hole sized for receiving a fastener; a face plate attached tothe substantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing so as to coverthe open top end, the face plate having a top side, a bottom side thatfaces the interior region and a fastener-receiving structure on thebottom side; a fastener disposed through the through-hole and engagedwith the fastener-receiving structure so as to firmly attach the faceplate to the open top end of the substantially cylindrical shapedone-piece housing; a bottom cover attached to the substantiallycylindrical shaped one-piece housing over the open bottom end andincluding a sidewall, an interior side facing the interior region of thehousing and an opposite exterior side, the bottom cover being configuredsuch that the sidewall is within the interior region of thesubstantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing; and a collaroperable to secure the substantially cylindrical shaped one-piecehousing at an opening formed in a work surface, the collar having anupper surface configured to engage a lower surface of the work surface.2. The grommet assembly according to claim 1 wherein the substantiallycylindrical shaped one-piece housing has at least one fastener-receivingstructure on the interior wall and wherein the bottom cover has athrough-hole that is aligned with the at least one fastener-receivingstructure on the interior wall, the grommet assembly including afastener disposed through the through-hole in the bottom cover andengaged with the fastener-receiving structure on the interior wall. 3.The grommet assembly according to claim 1 wherein the bottom cover isremovably attached to the substantially cylindrical shaped one-piecehousing.
 4. The grommet assembly according to claim 1 further comprisingmeans for attaching the bottom cover to the substantially cylindricalone-piece housing.
 5. The grommet assembly according to claim 1 whereinthe housing outer surface includes a threaded portion and wherein thecollar is configured to threadedly engage the threaded portion.
 6. Thegrommet assembly according to claim 1 wherein the sidewall of the bottomcover is totally within the interior region of the substantiallycylindrical shaped one-piece housing and hidden from view.
 7. Thegrommet assembly according to claim 1 wherein the bottom cover includesan opening for the passage therethrough of one or more electrical wires.8. The grommet assembly according to claim 1 further comprising anelectrical power receptacle within the interior region of thesubstantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing and supported by thestructure within the interior region, the electrical power receptaclecomprising an AC electric power receptacle.
 9. The grommet assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein the housing outer surface has threadedportions and non-threaded portions and wherein each of the non-threadedportions has a strip-like shape and extends to the open bottom end alongan axis that is parallel to the longitudinally extending axis of thesubstantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing.
 10. The grommetassembly according to claim 9 wherein the collar has an inner wall thathas at least one protrusion for threadedly engaging the threadedportions of the housing outer surface, wherein the non-threaded portionsallow the collar to be maneuvered along the housing outer surfacewithout the at least one protrusion becoming threadedly engaged with thethreaded portions, wherein in order to mount the collar on thesubstantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing the collar is firstoriented so that the at least one protrusion is aligned with thenon-threaded portion and then the collar is moved over the housing outersurface such that the at least one protrusion travels along thenon-threaded portion until the collar is at a desired position on thehousing outer surface.
 11. The grommet assembly according to claim 9wherein the collar has an inner collar wall that has at least oneprotrusion on the surface for engaging the threaded portions.
 12. Thegrommet assembly according to claim 11 wherein the at least oneprotrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions spaced apart andarranged vertically and in juxtaposition.
 13. The grommet assemblyaccording to claim 1 further comprising an electrical power receptaclewithin the interior region of the substantially cylindrical shapedone-piece housing and supported by the structure within the interiorregion, the electrical power receptacle having at least one input forreceiving an electrical device.
 14. The grommet assembly according toclaim 13 wherein the face plate has at least one opening therein that isaligned with the at least one input of the electrical power receptacle.15. The grommet assembly according to claim 1 further comprising anelectrical power receptacle within the interior region of thesubstantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing and supported by thestructure within the interior region, the electrical power receptaclecomprising a USB female socket.
 16. The grommet assembly according toclaim 15 further comprising electrical circuitry within the interiorregion of the substantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing, theelectrical circuitry configured to convert an AC voltage and current toa DC voltage and current and provide the DC voltage and current to theUSB female socket.
 17. A grommet assembly for providing at least oneelectrical power receptacle to a work surface, comprising: asubstantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing having a longitudinalaxis and comprising an open bottom end, an interior region, an interiorwall surrounding the interior region, an integral face plate having aninterior side facing the interior region and an exterior side and ahousing outer surface, the substantially cylindrical shaped one-piecehousing further including a structure within the interior region andattached to the interior wall and configured to support an electricalpower receptacle, wherein the integral face plate has at least onethough-hole therein and the housing outer surface has threaded portionsand non-threaded portions, wherein each non-threaded portion has astrip-like shape and extends to the open bottom end along an axis thatis parallel to the longitudinally extending axis of the substantiallycylindrical shaped one-piece housing; a bottom cover attached to thesubstantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing over the open bottomend and including a sidewall, an interior side facing the interiorregion of the substantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing and anopposite exterior side, the bottom cover being configured such that thesidewall is within the interior region of the substantially cylindricalshaped one-piece housing; and a collar operable to secure thesubstantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing at an opening formedin a work surface, the collar having an upper surface configured toengage a lower surface of the work surface, wherein the collar has aninner wall that has at least one protrusion for threadedly engaging thethreaded portions of the housing outer surface, wherein the non-threadedportions allow the collar to be maneuvered along the housing outersurface without the at least one protrusion becoming threadedly engagedwith the threaded portions, wherein in order to mount the collar on thehousing outer surface, the collar is first oriented so that the at leastone protrusion is aligned with the non-threaded portion and then thecollar is moved over the housing outer surface such that the at leastone protrusion travels along the non-threaded portion until the collaris at a desired position on the housing outer surface.
 18. The grommetassembly according to claim 17 further comprising means for removablyattaching the bottom cover to the substantially cylindrical shapedone-piece housing.
 19. The grommet assembly according to claim 17further comprising an electrical power receptacle within the interiorregion of the substantially cylindrical shaped one-piece housing andsupported by the structure within the interior region, the electricalpower receptacle comprising an AC electric power receptacle, wherein theAC electrical power receptacle is aligned with the at least onethrough-hole in the face plate.
 20. The grommet assembly according toclaim 17 further comprising an electrical power receptacle within theinterior region of the substantially cylindrical shaped one-piecehousing and supported by the structure within the interior region, theelectrical power receptacle comprising a USB female socket, wherein theUSB female socket is aligned with the at least one through-hole in theface plate.